Architects & Builders

– Also designed to move a wheelchair in a home application, but instead of traveling vertically, the lifts will move up a staircase. The supporting guide rail system that the lift moves on can be mounted to a reinforced wall or the treads of the staircase.
– Generally has a lower total capacity of 500 lbs., although some models can carry up to 600 lbs.
– Power requirements vary by manufacturer and model. Battery back up system is usually available as a factory option.
– Some basic models just have folding guard ramps on the platform, while other manufacturers offer manual or automatic folding safety barrier arms to help keep the user on the platform. Some models will also be able to have the platform fold up next to the wall when not in use.
– Functions with constant pressure controls on the platform and from each landing with remote controls.
– Can be designed for straight staircases as well as curved or spiral staircases.
– Incline lifts will generally require a wider staircase, which is not always possible in a residential application. Also requires almost 60 inches of landing space at the lower level, in front of the bottom stair riser, for the platform to land on the floor.
– Can be more expensive than a vertical platform lift due to the extremely customized design and niche type of product used when no other solution is possible.

Dumbwaiter

• Utilized in establishments like restaurants, retail spaces, and in some lighter duty institutional use like schools, medical facilities or assisted living facilities.
• Varying capacities depending on the manufacturer and the specific application requirements.
• Automatic operation functions with call & send controls at each landing.
• Can serve multiple landings.
• Generally, is required to be enclosed in a constructed shaft with smaller size cabinet style doors at the landings. Some institutional models have larger doors and cab sizes to transport larger items and heavier loads.

• Lifts are usually only for indoor applications.
• There are a range of car sizes and configurations available to suit the space requirements of the project. (Straight through, enter/ exit same side, 90 degree platform options)
• Common options included for the interior of the dumbwaiter car are shelves, car light, stainless steel material
• Dumbwaiters are not recommended to use for commercial material handling applications. The limitations are generally due to the design and duty cycle ratings on dumbwaiters are not the same as commercial material handling equipment.

Stairway Lifts

• Designed to move a user up and down the staircase in a residential setting.
• The stairway lifts have a chair that rides on a rail that is mounted to the staircase. The supporting guide rail system that the lift moves on can be mounted directly to the treads of a staircase.
• Generally has a lower total capacity of 300-400 lbs., although some models can carry up to 600 lbs.

–        Power requirement is generally 120 VAC, and the lifts utilize a DC battery operation system to drive the lift up and down the staircase.

–        Can be designed for straight staircases as well as curved or spiral staircases.

–        Most staircases are generally wide enough to accommodate a stair lift.  36 inch total width from wall to wall, even with a handrail, will still allow for a stair lift to be installed and function normally.

–        Some manufacturers offer models with optional accessory features that make the lift better suited for some applications.  Examples include folding rail sections to eliminate trip hazards and keep hallways open and barrier free.  Other options for users with more severe mobility or physical limitations include power folding footrest, power swivel seat and child support harness.

– Also designed to move a wheelchair in a home application, but instead of traveling vertically, the lifts will move up a staircase. The supporting guide rail system that the lift moves on can be mounted to a reinforced wall or the treads of the staircase.
– Generally has a lower total capacity of 500 lbs., although some models can carry up to 600 lbs.
– Power requirements vary by manufacturer and model. Battery back up system is usually available as a factory option.
– Some basic models just have folding guard ramps on the platform, while other manufacturers offer manual or automatic folding safety barrier arms to help keep the user on the platform. Some models will also be able to have the platform fold up next to the wall when not in use.
– Functions with constant pressure controls on the platform and from each landing with remote controls.
– Can be designed for straight staircases as well as curved or spiral staircases.
– Incline lifts will generally require a wider staircase, which is not always possible in a residential application. Also requires almost 60 inches of landing space at the lower level, in front of the bottom stair riser, for the platform to land on the floor.
– Can be more expensive than a vertical platform lift due to the extremely customized design and niche type of product used when no other solution is possible.

• Utilized in residential settings where users need assistance in moving items like groceries, laundry, luggage and other items between levels of the home.
• Varying capacities depending on the manufacturer and the specific application requirements.
• Automatic operation function with call & send controls at each landing.
• Can serve multiple landings.
• Generally is required to be enclosed in a constructed shaft with smaller size cabinet style doors at the landings.

• Lifts are usually only for indoor applications.
• There are a range of car sizes and configurations available to suit the space requirements of the project. (Straight through, enter/ exit same side, 90 degree platform options)
• Common options available for the interior of the dumbwaiter car are shelves, car light, and stainless steel material.
• Dumbwaiters are not for any type of passenger travel.